Thank You, Coronavirus
Thank you, coronavirus, for providing me the opportunity to change, to grow.
Thanks to you, I realise God is in control, not me! Cancelled holidays remind me how blessed I am that we can afford to travel. No large gatherings and closures help me to spend more quality time with those who are near and dear to me.
School delays and changes remind me that every moment in life can be a teachable moment. The closing of beaches, parks and hikes helps me appreciate the breathtaking beauty of God’s creation, which I frequently take for granted.
Wearing a mask helps me be attentive to those around me, especially the elderly, vulnerable, or immunocompromised and reminds me to greet others with a kind word since they can’t see my smile. It also helps me realise the value of eye contact as a means of communication.
Online schooling helps me support and encourage my children to learn to the best of their ability and for those who normally attend schools, it instils a greater sense of appreciation for their teachers!
When churches were closed, it helped me truly create the domestic church in my home by praying as a family and attending Mass together in our living room.
The uncertainty of employment, school, activities and travel provides me the opportunity to practice patience and trust. I can look for ways to help the newly unemployed and support local businesses.
Looking for optional sources of income helps me discern the gifts and talents God has given me and encourages me to think creatively.
What seems to be unending change is giving me the chance to model for my spouse and children that God does not change. He is my rock. He is my strength. He is my stronghold.
Thank you, coronavirus, for helping me look at life from a vastly different perspective than I ever have.
For those I know and love who have gotten ill and even died, I have become more appreciative of the gift of life God has given me and a desire to discover God’s plans for me.
Coronavirus, you are providing me the unique opportunity to evaluate my life, my choices, my activities, in a way that many people never do until death is approaching.
While I do eagerly hope we find a cure and a vaccine and that I only continue to hear about you in history books, I do hope that the lessons you’ve taught me live on.
Thank you, coronavirus, for all that you’ve taught me.
“Thank you, coronavirus” appeared in the August 21 edition of the Hawaii Catholic Herald, diocesan newspaper of Honolulu. It was written by Sarah and David Herrmanns, the newspaper’s family life columnists.
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